Currently there are several companies pioneering algae-based diesel technology, Sapphire Energy, PetroSun, and Solena to name a few. Now that Solazyme’s algae-based diesel, Soladiesel has passed tests for the US standards and proven it will run in our vehicles without damage, the race is on to bring it to the public. In order to be deemed suitable for consumption in vehicles, Soladiesel had to pass both the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-975 specifications and ASTM ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) standards.

This is good news not only for Solazyme and algae-based diesel in general, but also for the public for whom the possibility of a more sustainable fuel is looming on the horizon.

There is one problem with Solazyme’s process: they’ve figured out how to grow the algae without the sun, but it relies on feeding the algae sugar. We all know the dangers of creating fuel from food, and this just seems like a diversion from the true innovation of algae. I have to admit, it’s pretty disappointing to hear of a company making such strides in the field only to learn their process might be flawed. I hope they can figure out how to commercialize their product and process without having to resort to the pitfalls of food-based fuel we’ve fallen into already.

» Via Gas 2.0